By Steve Gibson
Photos by Sharon Cowley
CMI Busselton City showed considerable resilience and character despite suffering a 4-2 loss to Dalyellup at Churchill Park on Sunday. With several key players unavailable Busselton found themselves 3-0 down at the break. Pat Sheehan scored early in the second spell to reduce the deficit before winger John Nguyen was bundled over in the penalty area. Sheehan then calmly scored again from the spot and league leaders, Dalyellup, looked decidedly nervous. With Busselton chasing an equaliser they got caught on a counterattack and conceded a late deciding goal.
Sportspower Ladies Reserves team were hard pressed in their 5-1 win over Dalyellup. In the first half, Dalyellup were well organised and looked threatening at times in their attacking half. The local side also many chances on goal, but some wayward shooting resulted in only a first half 2-1 lead, courtesy of goals from Hannah Armstrong and Chelsea Braam. Busselton City started the second half with more of a spring in their step, with Braam scoring her second, followed by goals by Therese Charlton and Chenaye Wright.
The Woody Nook Division 2 side continued their fine form of late when they came out on the right side of the ledger in a goal feast against Dalyellup. After finding themselves 2-0 down, Busselton launched a tremendous turnaround to lead 7-2 at one stage. Dalyellup finished the stronger however with three late goals to make the final score 7-5. Busselton goal scorers included Josh Snow and Dave Wright with two a piece and Martin Ryan, Ariana Dawson and Siobhan Longmore also finding the back of the net.
A lack of composure in front of goals proved costly for the Men’s Reserve side who lost 2-1 to Dalyellup. Surprisingly,Busselton found themselves in arrears after a very well taken goal by the opposition. However, the quality of that goal was matched by Busselton’s Pat Tarrant who equalised with a tremendous volley. With only five minutes remaining Dalyellup’s Oliver Kirk grabbed the crucial goal with a 25 metre shot which ensured his side the victory.
This Sunday all Busselton City teams will be at home against Australind.